Covid France, from today paid tampons to encourage vaccination

As of today, tampons for Covid-19 are no longer free in France. The goal is “to encourage vaccination instead of testing,” President Emmanuel Macron said in July, when he announced the deadline for tampons to become paid. Prime Minister Jean Castex then confirmed the decision on September 26, stressing that he did not find it right to “pay indefinitely tests, at the expense of taxpayers”. Prices range from 22 to 45 euros, depending on the type of test and the place where the exam is carried out. The cost, explains ‘Le Figaro’, is “identical” to what was previously paid by the state. The tests will be reimbursed by the health insurance to minors, people who cannot get vaccinated, those who have to undergo a surgical operation and people, even vaccinated, in possession of a medical certificate that requires the test (in case of symptoms or suspicious contacts). In practice, it becomes paid mainly for those who use it for the Green pass, necessary in France to access various public places including bars, restaurants, gyms, places of leisure and culture, long-distance transport. The green passport is also required for those who work in these facilities.